Xiaomi developer menu: how to open in 30 seconds and what is hidden there

The hidden developer menu in Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, which the manufacturer deliberately hides from ordinary users. Here you can overclock the interface animation, enable debugging over USB for firmware, change network settings or even simulate geolocation. But how do you get there if the standard MIUI settings do not say a word about such a partition?

In this article, you will learn not only how to open the developer menu on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), but also what to do if the standard method does not work. We will analyze the current methods for MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 11-14, and also warn against dangerous experiments that can turn your smartphone into a brick.

Why Xiaomi is hiding the developer menu?

The manufacturer does not hide this section out of harm, but for three key reasons:

• 🔧 Security: Inexperienced users can accidentally change critical settings (e.g., disable application signature verification), leading to vulnerabilities.
• ⚡ Stability: Many options directly affect performance. Incorrect settings can cause overheating, rapid battery drain or lag.
• 📱 Support: If you turn on OEM unlock and accidentally lock the bootloader, the service center may refuse warranty repairs.

Interesting fact: In the early versions of MIUI (until 2018), the developer menu could be opened via ##4636##, but now this code only works on “bare” Android without a shell. Xiaomi has removed this feature, leaving the only official way – through the system settings.

How to Open a Xiaomi Developer Menu in 5 Steps

This method works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14, Black Shark 5/6 and other models with MIUI 12+.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (sometimes called About Device or Phone Information).
3. Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models - 10 times).
4. After 3-4 taps, a pop-up notification will appear: You are almost there!
5. At press 7, the system will say, You are a developer!

Now, the Settings menu will have a new section for developers (usually at the bottom of the list or next to the Additional) if it doesn't, check if it's hidden under Advanced Settings.

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged |Close all background apps |Connect to Wi-Fi (some options require internet) |Close backup of important data-->

Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work

Sometimes the developer menu doesn't open even after 10 to 15 clicks on the MIUI version, and the reasons can range from a firmware bug to the limitations of the regional version.

Method 1: ADB (for advanced users)

If you have a computer and have it installed ADB-drivers, execute:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (enable File Transfer).
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and enter: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1
3. Reboot your smartphone. The developer menu will appear in the settings.

Method 2: Reset settings (if the menu is missing)

If the Developer section was there but disappeared after the update, try:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Settings (system application) and click Storage → Clear data.
3. Repeat the standard activation procedure (7 taps on the MIUI version).

Top.-5 Hidden features in the Xiaomi developer menu

Now that you know how to open a developer menu on Xiaomi, let’s take a look at the most useful (and dangerous) options that are hidden there.

⚠️ Attention: Force option GPU Rendering (forced processing) GPU) Can significantly increase battery consumption on smartphones with Snapdragon processors 4xx (Like Redmi. A1 or POCO M3). Turn it on for testing only!

Dangerous settings: what NOT to touch in the developer menu

Some parameters can permanently disable a phone or make it vulnerable to hacking. Here is a list of red flags:

• 🚨 Disable HW overlays -- turns off hardware acceleration of graphics, leads to heavy lags and overheating.
• 🔓 Disable application signature verification – allows you to install malware.
• 📡 Mobile data transmission is always active – quickly puts down the battery and increases the load on the modem.
• 🔄 Automatic System Optimization – If you turn off the phone, it will brake after 2-3 days of use.

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is especially dangerous. If you turn it off and then reset it, the phone will require you to enter a login and password from your previous Mi Account - even if you sold it!

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Before you change any settings in the developer menu, take a screenshot of the current settings so you can get it back if something goes wrong. To do this, click Power + Volume Down (on most Xiaomi models).

How to turn off the developer menu on Xiaomi

If you don't need the advanced settings anymore, you can hide them.

1. Go to Settings. → For developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and choose Exit.
3. Confirm the action. The section will disappear from the settings menu.

Important: it won't reset the changes you've made, and to get everything back to factory settings, you'll have to manually disable every option or do a full reset.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the developer menu cannot be turned off in the standard way, in which case only resetting or flashing the settings will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the developer menu on Xiaomi

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The developer menu is a powerful tool, but use it with caution. Most options are for testing and debugging, not everyday use. If you're not sure what the parameter is, you better not touch it!